The Carolina Panthers have spent the majority of the 2011 season turning heads. Despite having a rookie head coach and quarterback, the Panthers took an offense that was the worst in the league in 2010 and turned it into one of the best. As great as this season has been for Carolina Panthers fans like me, the coming years look even brighter. There are plenty of reasons to expect a much better season record-wise in 2012. Here are five reasons why that future shines so brightly:

Another high draft pick or two to help strengthen the defense

Over the years, the Panthers have been pretty solid in picking defensive stars in the draft. Next season, there will be a good chance that we will pick high since we have struggled record-wise in 2011. With the offense pretty solid, we will likely focus on building up a defense once again.

A more experienced and confident Cam Newton

It almost seems impossible, but Cam Newton can definitely improve next season. He will have a full year in the offensive system, and the speed of the NFL will be much more natural to him. With that in his hip pocket, Cam can settle into his role as leader on this team.

A returning David Gettis

Brandon LaFell has been awesome this season, and I expect him to be even better in 2012. Still, David Gettis was the guy everyone wanted to see in 2011. He was knocked out with a knee injury and missed the entire season. In 2012, he will return to help the Panthers even more in the passing game. Can you imagine adding Gettis to this lineup? Yet another vertical threat is exactly what the doctor ordered.

A healthy team (God willing)

The Panthers have had an insane amount of players on IR this season including Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, Gettis, Thomas Williams, Ron Edwards, Mike Goodson, Jeff Otah and many more. No way the injury bug can hit that hard again in 2012. It simply has to get better, right?

A softer schedule

Playing in the NFC South, the Panthers are never going to have an easy schedule. Still, this years schedule was insane. The Panthers are bound to have it a little easier in 2012. Karma has to move over to their side on this one. One can certainly hope so, anyway.

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